The Cottagers chief, whose side are fourth in the Premiership after a superb start to the season, yesterday held talks with new chief executive Jim Hone over the precise make-up of the contract offers.

"I hope a couple of players will commit by January," Coleman said. "We're very confident we'll reach an agreement with the players we want. I hope they all want to stay - and that there are no surprises, although you never know in football."

And Coleman, who was reported to be lining up an approach for Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit, did not deny the story but insisted news of the move was not leaked by his club.